06:30 Newscast, June 16th, 2016

LSU says they will now allow visiting bands to perform during halftime, after not allowing them to do so during football games last season. They said the initial policy was implemented due to safety concerns with having so many people on the sidelines. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says their new plan involves changes to seating in the South End Zone…:
Cut 13 (12) “the half”
The change comes admid outrage from the band community across the nation.

While no official identity has been made on the body that was found in Iberville Parish this week, the East Baton Rouge Parish coroner says the victim was pregnant at the time of death and suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities say it’s possible the body is that of the 40-year-old missing teacher, Lyntell Washington. More on this as it develops.

Public school students will soon be required to learn cursive writing, as a bill has been signed into law that takes effect in July of 2017. Halen Doughty spoke with an LSU English professor on whether this legislation is needed:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Under a measure signed by Governor Edwards, domestic violence victims will be able to get an expedited temporary concealed carry permit. It takes effect in August.

 

LRN AM Newscall June 16, 2016

Public school students will soon be required to learn cursive writing, as a bill has been signed into law that takes effect in July of 2017. Halen Doughty spoke with an LSU English professor on whether this legislation is needed…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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 A study from insurancequotes.com finds car insurance premiums for Louisiana parents increase by more than 86-percent when they add a teen driver to their policy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Plans are being drawn up to reconfigure seating in Tiger Stadium to allow visiting bands to perform at halftime shows. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Teachers in public schools will soon have to teach students cursive writing because of a bill signed into law by the governor. LSU English professor Renee Casbergue says writing in cursive is becoming a lost art, and kids may not have much use for it in the future.

cut 4  (11)  “means nothing”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell authored the legislation, because she’s concerned children will not be able to sign their name in cursive. But Casbergue says there’s almost no time that people are asked to write in cursive, and in fact many times they are asked specifically to print when handwriting anything.

Cut 5  (08)  “a signature”

Casbergue says she wishes the legislature would stay out of managing anything that happens in classrooms. She says as lawmakers keep adding things teachers have to address, it takes away their ability to teach what they think their students need, which is causing them to lose access to arts and other things.

Cut 6 (08) “might be”

The new law goes into effect in July of 2017.

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A new study shows that, In Louisiana, parents average premium for car insurance increases by over 86-percent when they add a teen driver to an existing policy.  Senior insurance analyst with InsuranceQuotes.com Laura Adams says although it’s still expensive, rates have been dipping slightly. She says this is because many teens are waiting to drive under they’re older….

CUT 7 (11)  “social media”

Adams says the report finds a lot of teens would rather chat with their friends on social media rather than hang out in person, which could lead to less 16-year-olds wanting to get a driver’s license. She says rates do get cheaper as your teen gets older.

Cut 8  (07)  “your policy”

Adams says it costs more to add a male teenager than a female to an existing policy. She advises parents to take advantage of every discount available to them.

Cut 9 (10)  “student discount”

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The third installment of the “Ask the Governor” call-in radio show featured a wide variety of questions from callers. Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about everything from food stamps to marijuana and the budget was a key topic. One caller asked about changes to the state’s film tax credit program. Edwards says the state capped the program at 180-million dollars in credits paid out and there are no plans to change it.

Cut 10 (07) “million dollars”

Another caller asked whether a gas tax could be imposed to address the state’s budget shortfall. Edwards says he has established a transportation task force that will look into revenue raising measures such as gas taxes, tolls, and other ideas. But he says those dollars will have to go towards transportation.

cut 11 (10) “education”

One caller asked the governor about gun control, in light of the mass shooting in Orlando. Edwards says he is a big supporter of the Second Amendment, but he is in favor of a measure that would prohibit people on terrorist watch lists, who cannot even board planes, from purchasing guns.

cut 12 (11) “the public”

The next “Ask the Governor” show will be July 20th.

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LSU says they will now allow visiting bands to perform during halftime, after not allowing them to do so during football games last season. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says their plan involves changes to seating in the South End Zone to allow bands to take a more direct route onto the field.

Cut 13 (12)  “the half”

Nunez says there were safety concerns with having two bands along the sidelines before the end of the first half, because having that many additional people on the field could be dangerous. He says they don’t expect many seats to be affected, as they hope to open up access to the field from where the visiting band has always been seated.

cut 14 (07)  “the field”

Nunez says the LSU Band will also perform first to give the visiting band more time to get down to the field. He says despite what some people may think, they do want visiting bands to be able to perform.

Cut 15 (08) “Tiger Stadium”

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The Saints have one more mini-day practice today and then they take a break until training camp starts in late July at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. New Orleans linebacker James Laurinatis says it’s been a good offseason as the coaching staff has found ways to make the team better…

Cut 16  (25)  “or whatever” 

Laurintatis is one of the new additions to the Saints defense. Linebacker Nathan Stupar is also new to the defense after spending the last two seasons in Atlanta. Stupar says he’s been impressed with recently acquired linebacker Craig Robertson, who started nine games in Cleveland last season…

Cut 17 (22)  “that group”

Saints running back Mark Ingram is coming off a season where he caught 50 passes and rushed for 769 yards, but his season was cut short, because of a shoulder injury. Ingram says he wants to play all 16 games this year…

Cut 18 (14) “left off”

18:30 LRN Newscast June 15

The fines for texting or using social media while driving have been increased from $175 to $500 for a first offense, as a bill has just been signed into law by the governor. Major Doug Cain with State Police says they deal with distracted driving accidents almost every day, and it’s something that’s entirely avoidable. He says using a cell phone while driving can be a deadly decision.

CUT 4 (08)  “everybody else”

The new law is now in effect.

FEMA has released a smartphone app to help residents get prepared for potential natural disasters. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate says it gives you a checklist to follow in the palm of your hand even if you lose cell service.

CUT 6 (10) “an emergency”

He says app is available in the iTunes store and on Google Play.

The northern part of the state is under a heat advisory until 7 o’clock tomorrow night. Emelie Gunn reports it’s hot across the entire state…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

LSU says they will now allow visiting bands to perform during halftime, after not allowing them to do so during football games last season. LSU Deputy Athletic Director Eddie Nunez says their plan involves changes to seating in the South End Zone to allow bands to take a more direct route onto the field. He says there were safety concerns with having two bands along the sidelines before the end of the first half.

16:30 LRN Newscast June 15

The governor has signed a bill into law that increases the fines for texting or using social media while driving from $175 to $500 for a first offense. State Police Major Doug Cain says unfortunately, they see a lot in crashes caused by distracted driving.

CUT 3 (10)  “pulling out”

Cain says troopers do write tickets for this offense.

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee approves a bill that would make industries choose between taking an industrial tax exemption or receiving an inventory tax credit. Business groups expressed concerns about losing one of these tax credits. But New Orleans Sen. Karen Peterson says the state can’t afford these large tax breaks, when it’s facing cuts to higher ed, public schools and healthcare…

cut 14 (09)  “we have”

The measure is heading to the Senate floor.

A heat advisory is in effect for the upper half of Louisiana until 7 o’clock Thursday night. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the summer is off to a hot start, with temperatures reaching into the mid and upper 90s. He says on top of that, humidity levels are running high leading to high heat index values.

CUT 9 (09) “is here”

Keim says the lack of rain the state will see this week is contributing to the extreme heat.

FEMA has released a smartphone app to help residents get prepared for potential natural disasters. It also allows users to receive safety and preparedness tips, including practicing a fire escape plan and updating emergency tips. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate says many tools are built in to the app.

CUT 7 (06) “anything else”

The app is available in the iTunes store and on Google Play. 

11:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2016

The fines for texting or using social media while driving have been increased from $175 to $500 for a first offense, as a bill has just been signed into law by the governor. Major Doug Cain with State Police says they see this is a lot in crashes caused by distracted driving…:
CUT 3 (10) “pulling out”
Drivers could pay a fine of up to $1,000 for a subsequent offense, under the new law which goes into effect immediately.

FEMA has released a smartphone app to help residents get prepared for potential natural disasters. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate says the app offers a checklist of preparedness information in the palm of your hand, even if you lose service. He says the FEMA app has many features…:
CUT 7 (06) “anything else”
The FEMA app is available in the iTunes store and on Google Play.

Louisiana is now in compliance with a federal identification law, as Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the REAL ID Act into law. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests three people amid allegations tey stole over $31,000 from an elderly victim. They say the suspects worked as sitters for the woman.

 

10:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2016

U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson has scheduled a hearing today to determine if death row inmates at Angola should have air conditioning. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says this court battle is wasting over a million dollars in taxpayer money and it’s not likely that the judge will overturn a ruling that air conditioning must be installed on death row…:
CUt 6 (10) “he decides”
The state came up with their own heat remediation plan that consists of fans, ice chests, and cold showers for the prisoners, rather than AC.

A former deputy with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is under arrest amid charges he had sex with a juvenile while he was on duty. Cops say 31-year-old William Lanoux of Prairieville is charged with malfeasance in office and 1st degree rape. Deputies say the juvenile was considered a runaway when she allegedly met Lanoux on social media and the two went off to have sex. Upon Lanoux’s arrest he was immediately terminated.

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall have broken ground on a three billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says with these jobs coming to southwest Louisiana it will help make up for the employment losses in the oil and gas industry…:
Cut 8 (10) “construction workers”
Pierson expects the plants will be up and running by 2019.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the REAL ID Act into law, bringing Louisiana into compliance with the 2005 federal ruling that created national identification standards in the wake of 9/11. He reminds opponents that it’s not mandatory to get one…:
CUT 12 (07) “an airplane”
That’s by 2020. The OMV anticipates they will be issuing REAL IDs in the fall.

 

09:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2016

Law experts say the cost of the court battle over whether or not air conditioning should be installed on death row at Angola is costing taxpayers more than $1 million dollars. Another hearing on the matter is scheduled for today. Legal analyst Tim Meche says says Judge Jackson will not likely reverse his ruling of installing air conditioners in death row, which would cost about a million dollars. He says this argument is a big waste of taxpayer money…:
Cut 5 (06) “air conditioning”
One of the state’s arguments is that by letting the inmates win, you’re opening up a floodgate of litigation from prisoners throughout the country.

The REAL ID Act has been signed into law, putting Louisiana in compliance with federal regulations. Opponents argued this is government overreach, but Governor John Bel Edwards says getting a REAL ID is not mandatory…:
CUT 11 (08) “their option”
The OMV anticipates they will begin issuing REAL ID licenses in the fall.

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall have broken ground on a three billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this joint venture will be investing $3 billion and create more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs…:
CUT 9 (10) “our citizens”
Pierson expects the plants will be up and running by 2019.

Officials say an autopsy on the body that was found in Iberville Parish yesterday will be done by 3pm. Investigators believe it’s possible the remains are of the missing pregnant Baton Rouge teacher, 40-year-old Lyntell Washington. Authorities say that’s why BRPD is the lead agency in the case. 39-year-old Robert Marks faces aggravated kidnapping and child desertion charges because Washington’s child was left abandoned in a parking lot. The DA says Marks could face additional charges if DNA confirms the body is that of Washington.

 

08:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2016

It looks like Governor John Bel Edwards may not reach the goal of raising the $600 million dollars needed to fill the budget hole. That’s according to Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com. He says lawmakers do plan to take up a once-failed measure that would limit itemized deductions on personal income taxes, because they are trying to come up with a compromise…:
CUT 13 (12) “the books”
He says that would raise $120 million, on top of the $220 million already approved.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne will join Edwards today on the third edition of the radio show, Ask The Governor. Dardenne’s office is the one responsible for the state budget, and the two plan to discuss the deficit today and potential solutions. The program airs at 2pm and is carried by affiliate stations of the Louisiana Radio Network.

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall begin construction on a massive chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson has scheduled a hearing today to determine if death row inmates at Angola should have air conditioning. Legal Analyst Tim Meche says with all the legal fees the state spent fighting this, window units could’ve been placed in that area of the prison…:
cut 4 (08) “taxpayer money”
The state is trying to argue they could add fans, ice chests and cold showers for the prisoners, instead of AC.

 

 

07:30 Newscast, June 15th, 2016

Lawmakers are once again bringing up a bill that would limit itemized deductions on personal income taxes, in another attempt to fill the state’s $600 million dollar shortfall. The measure was narrowly rejected in House Ways and Means last week, and Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says he doesn’t think the committee is interested in approving anymore tax measures:
CUT 15 (10) “special session”
He says this bill would raise an estimated $120 million in addition to the $220 million already approved by the lower chamber.

A former deputy with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office was immediately fired from his job after his arrest on charges related to alleged sexual relations with a juvenile while he was on duty. Authorities say 31-year-old Detective William Lanoux was working when he set up a tryst with a girl he met on social media. He claimed to authorities he thought the girl was 18, but she was actually a 14-year-old runaway. Lanoux is charged with first degree rape and malfeasance in office.

Louisiana is now in compliance with a federal identification law, as Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the REAL ID Act into law. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Lotte (Low-tay) Chemical and Axiall break ground on a three billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex in Lake Charles. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this investment will create hundreds of quality jobs…:
CUT 7 (08) “indirect jobs”
He expects the plants to begin operations in 2019.

 

06:45 Sportscast, June 15th, 2016

Saints head coach Sean Payton has confirmed that second-year defensive end Hau’oli (Ha-Hoo-Lee) Kikaha will likely miss the season after he tore the A-C-L in his left knee. It’s the third time he’s torn that ligament in his knee. Payton says Kikaha is gathering medical opinions on what kind of procedure will be required, but the coach doesn’t think it will end his career…:
Cut 16 (21) “that’s encouraging”
Kikaha was expected to be one of the Saints top pass rushers in 2016. The Saints began their three day mini-camp Tuesday, but heavy rain forced them inside of the indoor facility. The team gets back to work tomorrow with an 11AM practice for day two of mini-camp.

Former LSU shortstop Alex Bregman has been named to the Texas League All-Star team.

The LSU baseball team lost two pitchers Tuesday. It’s reported that Riley Pint, the No. 4 overall pick in last week’s MLB draft, will sign a $4.8 million dollar deal with the Colorado Rockies. Kyle Weatherly signed with the Blue Jays. 6 Tiger signees were taken in the draft.

Juniot right-handed pitcher Braden Bistro of Louisiana Tech was drafted by the New York Yankees. He’s foregoing his senior season with the Bulldogs.

Former LSU women’s basketball standout and graduate assistant LaSondra Barrett has been hired as an assistant coach at Florida International University.

The final softball polls are out and LSU is ranked 3rd in the USA Today-NFCA Division One Coach Poll. UL Lafayette was eliminated by the Sooners in the Super Regionals and the Lady Cajuns are ranked 12th.

In local MLB news, former LSU star Ryan Schimpf was called up by the Padres from Triple A El Paso and started him at third base last night against the Marlins. This is Schimpf’s first trip to the majors. He’s batting 6th for San Diego against Miami.